: : I have FM and 3 kids. It is really difficult for me to keep the house picked up and clean. It is very frustrating having to live in this pigpen! The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak (very, very weak!). I want to have a nice environment for myself and my family to live in. Living in this mess gives me stress, which I'm sure doesn't help the FM. Any suggestions of what I can do? If any of you have had help with a chiropracter or massage therapist, please let me know. I really just want to feel better so I can handle these tasks. Thanks.

: Hi Chaminade,: Welcome to my world! I've pretty much given up on a clean hose! Finally, my daughter is catching the bug about wanting things neat, so it is getting better.: Since you have more than one child, I have a game you might like, to help them get involved.: Get one of those kitchen timers, or something similar to count off the minutes and make a BIG ring when its done. Pick some kind of goody that your kids love but don't get too often. Set the timer for ten minutes and have the kids RACE each other to see who can pick up the most items--one at a time.

: Sit on the couch and have the kids bring their items to you, making a stack for each child. When the timer goes off, count the items, and winner gets the treat. Now, you have 3 piles of 'stuff' in a convenient, non-bend-over-or-reach place that you can more easily sort and put away.

: Even the youngest of children enjoy the race. Though your house might not be 'clean' it will be a lot more 'picked up' than it was!

: If your kids are really young, set the timer for 5 minutes. If they're teens, set the timer for 20 min. and make it a pick-up-&-put-away race, maybe with a bigger reward. Lots of variations you can come up with, and its amazing how the kids enjoy it. If its fun, it is more likely they'll establish the picking up habit.

: I used to race against my daughter, when I was still able. So, even for single chilren, it can work. Or even get one or some of their friends involved, too. I know my daughter tends to be ready to help at someone else's than at home. Her friends are that way here. Go figure! HA!

Just had to say that you have a superb idea that you suggested to Chaminade. I love your creativity and it does sound fun for the kids! I wish I could borrow some kids to participate in a race like that at my house occasionally. ;) Things tend to pile up with me too at times. You have wonderful input and I admire you for writing articles too, thankyou for all you do!!

P.S. Ditto on the chiropractic opinion and massage therapy. |Both have been tremendously helpful to me. A day does not pass that I don't do self massage on the sore muscles and just to keep them from getting sore also.Sincerely,Love and Peace,Beverly